Linux Distributions

The Linux distribution is the combination of an installation program with various open source software and applications in an operating system package.

Linux Distributions

Linux Distributions

                         

Definition 
The Linux distribution is the combination of  an  installation program with various open source software and applications in an operating system package. Various Linux vendors have developed their own installation system with the combination of some other open source software or they may provise open source products exclusively.

The Linux distribution is easily available at free of  cost without technical support or for a fee with technical support. The Linux "Distribution" is available in the form of  CDs or DVD for downloading. These can also be downloaded from various iso-image distribution of Linux Vendors' website either by paying some charges or freely. Both CD/DVD and iso-image distribution have lots of applications, tools and utilities. The source code of  auxiliary program and Linux kernel is also included with it. 

Though Linux vendors distributes "free operating system" by developing  exclusively by involving various open source software, that's why it is called Linux distribution. The open source software may vary for each vendors depending upon their package. Some Linux vendors such as 'RedHat' and 'Novell' distributes Linux commercially with technical support and training. 

History
When the outsider beyond the Linux kernel uses Linux on their desktop, the manufacturer began to feel the need of distribution of linux server operating. The vendors took more interest in developing their own Server based operating system in Linux. They included various free open source application programs, the user interface and utilities. The users adopted Linux with pleasure for its stability, low (if any) cost, and inclusion of the source code for most or all of the software included. It is being the alternatives of  DOS and Microsoft Windows for PCs and Mac OS. Linux became more popular in the server market for its Web and Database servers in the comparison of desktop market.

How to get Linux
Linux Desktop/ Server Operating System can be get through a number of online software repositories called "Linux Distribution" by downloading its iso-image of the distribution onto your system. You can also get this operating system software in the form of CDs/DVD from its vendors. e.g. 'Fedora Linux' (backed by Red Hat), 'SUSE Linux' (backed by Novell), 'Ubuntu' (backed by Canonical Ltd.) and 'Mandriva Linux' etc. 

Component
Generally a typical desktop Linux distribution package have a Linux kernel, GNU tools and libraries, additional software, documentation, a window system, window manager, and a desktop environment included source code for auxiliary program and Linux kernel. Most of them 
included software are free open-source software. Other non-open source software including proprietary may not have  in the source code form.

Package Management
Linux is available through the "Linux Distribution", which normally exists in the form of packages holding any specific application or service. e.g. a collection of fonts or a web browser.

Selecting a Linux Distribution
The user can select the Linux distributions according to its requirement and hardware configuration. There are more then three hundred distributions are available with some specific varieties. So always select according to your requirement. The list of  some Linux distribution are given below:-

http://en.conectiva.com
http://en.conectiva.com
http://www.sot.com/en/
http://www.lynuxworks.com.
http://www.lynuxworks.com
http://wwwnew.mandriva.com/
http://www.libranet.com/
http://www.debian.org/
http://www.eit.de/
http://www.gentoo.org
http://www.mvista.com/
http://l13plus.deuroconsult...
http://www.linuxantarctica....
http://www.lutelinux.com
http://www.mklinux.org/
http://www.progeny.com
http://www.ibiblio.org/spinix
http://www.redhat.com/
http://www.rocklinux.org/
http://www.rtlinux.org
http://www.slackware.com/
http://www.ibiblio.org/spinix
http://www.stampede.org/
http://www.suse.com/
http://www.yellowdoglinux.com/
http://www.turbolinux.com/
http://www.astaro.com
http://www.chainsawlinux.com
http://www.coyotelinux.com/
http://crux.nu
http://hobbingen.uni-muenst...
http://www.devil-linux.org/
http://www.wu-wien.ac.at/us...
http://www.engardelinux.org/
http://www.kyzo.com/
http://flightlinux.gsfc.nas...
http://www.freesco.info
http://jspiro.tripod.com/li...
http://www.wirex.com
http://www.jblinux.net
http://www.tux.org/pub/peop...
http://midori.transmeta.com
http://sunsite.auc.dk/mulinux/
http://www.ibiblio.org/peanut/
http://www.pocket-lnx.org/
http://www.fsmlabs.com/comm...
http://www.toms.net/rb/
http://www.trustix.net/
http://www.emjembedded.com/...
http://zipham.free.fr/
http://home.wanadoo.nl/pete...
http://www.asplinux.ru/en/
http://alfalinux.sourceforg...

For more details, visit: http://www.roseindia.net/linux-distribution/